Overview & Reviews

The Hyundai Sonata is a comfortable and likable midsize sedan that proves Hyundai can build cars that are not just easy on the pocketbook, but easy to live with as well. Like most vehicles in the midsize sedan class, the Sonata offers front-wheel drive, numerous safety features and a choice of trim levels that include sporty and plush variants. Setting the Sonata apart, however, is Hyundai's lower pricing and outstanding warranty coverage.

For the most part, the Sonata has kept getting better. The current model, in particular, is the most competitive to date. In addition to the strong value proposition, this Hyundai adds a few things previously not seen in this conservative nameplate -- namely, daring styling and sporty driving dynamics. Newer pre-owned Sonatas are also a solid choice, but models prior to 2006 remain a risky used-car proposition.

Current Hyundai Sonata
Although it's classified as a full-size family sedan by the EPA, the Hyundai Sonata still competes in the midsize segment. It's available in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels. Even the base car comes well equipped, while the SE features sporty suspension tuning and the Limited pampers its passengers with more luxurious features.

The standard engine on every Sonata trim level is a 2.4-liter direct-injected inline four-cylinder rated at 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-exhaust SE with the same engine makes 192 hp and 181 lb-ft. A 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque is available on SE and Limited models. All Sonatas come with a six-speed automatic as standard.

Whether serving family car or commuter car duty, the Hyundai Sonata is a nice place to be thanks to its spacious cabin, comfortable seating, solid build quality and quiet highway ride. In reviews we've found that the Sonata provides spirited acceleration as well as responsive handling, with a slightly firm but still comfortable ride. Fuel mileage is also impressive, with 30 mpg being a realistic number for conservative drivers in mixed conditions. Our only notable gripes concern the relative lack of rear seat headroom for adults and a somewhat rough ride for the SE model. Overall the Sonata is rather impressive and deserves serious consideration from those shopping for a family sedan.

Used Hyundai Sonata Models
The current Hyundai Sonata represents the fifth generation in the car's lineage, and was introduced in the 2011 model year. That following year, the Sonata picked up the Blue Link telematics service and a higher-resolution navigation system display. A manual transmission was available for the Sonata GLS for these first two years, but was discontinued after that.

These Sonatas produced prior to 2014 differ in a number of minor ways. Styling was ever so slightly different, while they lack standard driver-selectable steering effort and the availability of certain features like xenon headlights and a blind-spot monitoring system. Also, the 2.4-liter engine made 198 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque (200 hp and 186 lb-ft for the SE) versus the current car's somewhat lower ratings.

The previous, fourth-generation Hyundai Sonata was produced from 2006-'10 and is really the only other version worth considering as a used Sonata. Initially, three trim levels were offered: GL, GLS and LX. The sophomore year saw a shuffling of the trim levels to the current format. Most notably, the sporty SE version debuted, wearing 17-inch alloy wheels and foglights.

Originally, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder produced 162 hp and was standard on the GL and GLS trims. A five-speed manual was standard (GL only for 2006) and a four-speed automatic was optional with this engine. Optional on the GLS and standard on the LX, SE and Limited was a 235-hp version of the 3.3-liter V6, matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. For 2008, the four-cylinder became standard on all trim levels and the V6 became optional. That year also saw a few more standard features added to the SE and Limited trims.

The biggest changes occurred in 2009 when engine outputs were increased (175 hp for the inline-4 and 249 hp for the V6) and the interior was spiffed up with a new dash and higher-quality materials. There were also two notable additions to the features lists -- a standard auxiliary audio jack and an optional touchscreen navigation system.

Prior to that, the cabin had respectable build and materials quality along with a precise feel to the controls. But it wasn't nearly as top-notch and had odd placement of the audio and climate controls -- the former was placed too high and the latter too low. Beyond that, the spacious cabin remained unchanged, and although the exterior had a few nips here and tucks there, you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between Sonatas of this generation.

At the time, we found that the fourth-generation Hyundai Sonata prioritized ride comfort over precise handling. It smothered bumps well and delivered a luscious highway ride, but with its significant body roll and vague steering, it wasn't particularly fun to drive.

Power from the efficient four-cylinder engine was competitive, and although the V6 wasn't quite as potent as those in rival sedans, it still got the job done while returning good fuel economy. Inside, soft, high-quality plastics were plentiful, and the overall design was eye-pleasing.

Pre-2006 Sonatas remain a risky used-car proposition even though depreciation means they can be found at a bargain-basement price. Only in recent years have we seen the kind of build quality and structural integrity that might portend long-term durability.

Nevertheless, the previous (third) generation Hyundai Sonata was originally introduced for 1999 with a vastly improved appearance, far better engines and significant improvements made in noise and ride quality versus its lamentable predecessors. The base car featured a 138-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder and the GLS had a 159-hp 2.5-liter V6. These numbers may be different from what you'll find elsewhere, since Hyundai misstated its horsepower ratings prior to 2002, giving the Sonata 11 more horses than it actually had. As such, you'd be best to stick with Sonatas from 2002 or later, which were characterized by even nicer styling, a better interior and a legitimately more potent V6.

The second-generation Sonata was introduced for 1995 and offered improved fit and finish compared to its predecessor, but that's not saying much. It now had dual airbags, but no more power under the hood. For instance, the V6 only produced 5 more horses than the four-cylinder. For 1997, the Sonata was restyled dramatically, but not necessarily for the better. All in all, we'd avoid this car.

The same goes for the original Hyundai Sonata, first launched in 1989 to give Hyundai a player in the midsize family sedan game. Aggressively priced but sloppily built and saddled with weak, unrefined powertrains, the boxy first-generation Sonata did little to change the public's perception of Hyundai cars as cheap in more ways than price.

User Reviews:

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  Really nice car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Peter Guertin - June 4 - 3:13 pm

  This Sonata was the top of the Sonata line. The stock 17" low profile tires hug the road excellent on all corners encounted. The speedometer goes to 160 MPH which I do not doubt it will do since I have had it up to 120 in 4th gear before it shifted into its 5th gear. The heated leather seats are well worth the extra price if you live in a cooler climate like I do.

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  very good - 2001 Hyundai Sonata
  By engin - June 4 - 2:50 pm

  didnt have any major problems. When had problems hyundai service took care of it under the warranty

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  So far, so good! - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By JohnG - June 3 - 4:36 pm

  With just about 9000 miles, my Sonata is running with no problems. The fuel economy has been as expected (I usually average 28 mpg per tank). Although some say its a "Lexus-like" ride, Id say thats a bit of a stretch. The interior (especially the center console) looks great and the amount of standard features really won me over. The 4-cylinder engine does run a bit rough on cold days but usually is docile unless its really pushed. The transmission does tend to upshift quickly on the automatic (I believe in order to give better fuel economy). So far I dont hear any rattles in my car. I hope to keep the Sonata for a long time, especially because of the great warranty.

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  Verdict is still out - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By Loradora - June 2 - 12:16 pm

  Since buying this car in July, it has been in the shop 3 times for a thunk in the front end--which they are replacing parts, but its still there and now I am dealing with an odor in the car that smells like BO (body odor). There are issues with this car and right now I am not a happy Hyundai owner. I would hold off buying a 2009 until they figure out some issues with the car. This is a brand new car, should not be in the shop already.

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  EXCELLENT TOWN AND ROAD CAR - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By ZIPPADEEDUDAH - June 2 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS AN EXCELLENT VALUE. IT RIDES WELL, IS RELATIVELY NOISE FREE EVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE STEREO IS EXCELLENT AND THE SUNROOF OPERATES FLAWLESSLY. THE ENGINE IS QUIET AND THE CAR IS ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED, ESPECIALLY IN CASE OF COLLISION. SIDE SEAT BAGS ARE A DISTINCT PLUS. I CHOSE CLOTH SEATS OVER LEATHER BECAUSE OF MY DOGS CLAWS. LOVE THE LUMBAR SUPPORT AND THE POSITIVE ACCELERATION. GETS EXCELLENT GAS MILEAGE. PEOPLE STOP AND LOOK AT IT. IT WILL VERY SHORTLY BE A BETTER ALTERNATIVE THAN THE HONDA AND TOYOTA WHICH COST A LOT BECAUSE OF HIGH NAME RECOGNITION. REBATE IS EXCELLENT.

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  Fun to drive!!!!!!! - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By NormJay - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The car hanles the road very well. Theres pleanty of power in the 4 cyl. Its the best car for the price.

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  Good deal, could be better - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Bob Devon - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Good warranty and seems reliable. Some interior cheapness is a bit iritating but for the price I can stand it. The illusion of the money saved definitly makes the car apealing but after some further research I realized its actually cheaper over a 5 year period (even less probably) to by an Accord. The accord has a better transmission, better engine and is better to the enviroment (this Sonata is a smog machine). Hyundai added some extras to make the good selling points vs. the Accord but these are features rarely used compared to daily driving, ala hyrdrolic hood.

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  Hyundai Sonata - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By Don Ast - May 29 - 3:07 am

  I travel about 4,000 mi a month in the NW, a lot of back roads to farms and ranches. The car handles very well, excelent fuel milage (30 MPG) I can drive 600 Mi in a day and not be overly tired, extreamly confortable. My car has the 2.4 L 4 Cly engine in it and i am pleased with the power. I plan to buy another hyundai when i need another car.

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  SATISFIED OWNER - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By DAVE8282 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  THE RIDE IS GREAT AND THE PRICE WAS THOUSNADS LESS THAN THE CAMRY OR ACCORD. REALLY GET MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.

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  Great car for the money - 2004 Hyundai Sonata
  By KekrmanStettner - May 28 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT, most reliable vehicle I have owned.